downsmail.co.uk Cheaper day ticketswould solve ‘swapping’ issue
I READ you very interesting article on Leeds Castle introducing photo ID annual tickets, to stop the practice of ticket swapping. I knowmany other attractions do this, and
for people whoWANT an annual ticket, this is perfectly acceptable and a very sensible way to protect your tickets. Replacements should be able to be issued
if lost, as ONLY the photographed person should be able to use that ticket. However, Leeds Castle, and other attrac-
tions which sell tickets which are valid for a year are missing one vital detail – not every- oneWANTS annual tickets! For example, people visiting from out of
town (or even the country), or those whose grandchildren have come to visit, are ex- tremely unlikely to be making a return visit within the next year. They have then just paid an extortionate amount of money for a day ticket. So why aren't those attractions offering
largely discounted day tickets? The need for “borrowing” somebody else's annual ticket, for a one-off visit to the attraction would then be unnecessary, and the knock-on effect would result in more ticket sales, equalling more in- come.
Somebody needs to put this to attractions
like Leeds Castle. It seems that common sense is largely ignored in situations like these. Julia Moore, Cumberland Ave,Maidstone
The advice comes as new figures reveal
the NSPCC-service delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2016/17 – a rise of 11% over the past two years. Worryingly, young people are consistently telling counsellors that exam stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, panic aacks, excessive crying, low self- esteem, self-harming and suicidal thoughts or even make pre-existing mental health conditions worse. More than a fifth of the counselling sessions took place in May, as pupils faced upcoming exams, with many telling counsellors they were struggling with subjects, excessive workloads and feeling unprepared. Those most likely to be counselled about
exam stresswere 12-15 year olds but this year saw the biggest rise amongst 16-18 year olds - up 21% on 2015/16 - many of whom will have been preparing for A- levels to determine university places.
Keep local people happy
THERE has been a fair amount of debate about the introduction of photo ID tickets for Leeds Castle. Whilst no one condones the practice of
brazenly swapping tickets on Facebook as a means of avoiding paying the entrance fee, the new idea seems a little heavy-handed, to say the least. In the interests of good local community
relations, would it not be better to offer a discounted rate for people who live in the ME, CT and TN postcodes?
Childline has the following advice for
young people siing exams: Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive aitude will help you during your revision Remember that everyone's different - try not to compare yourself to your friends Advice for parents and carers to help
ease exam stress: Don’t place unnecessary pressure on your children to gain certain grades Encourage children to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise Help them revise by leaving them the space and time to do so Be supportive and help alleviate their worries by talking to them Advice for teachers:
Facilitate classroom discussions to get These could be day passes or yearly
tickets, bought alongside proof of ID and address. Leeds Castle is a jewel in the crown for this
county and we are jolly lucky to have it. Despite the council’s best efforts to place a huge industrial park on its doorstep, Leeds Castle will most likely remain amagnet for visitors and it is something to celebrate, not denigrate. But Sir David Steel, the chief executive,
might do well to remember that keeping the locals onside is pretty important. TMilne, via email
students talking about exam stress Encourage students to take regular breaks from studying for exams Encourage students to talk to you or other teachers about exam stress Every yearwe hear from thousands of children who are struggling to cope with the pressure to succeed in exams. For some this can feel so insurmountable that it causes crippling anxiety and stress and in some cases contributes to mental health issues or even suicidal thoughts. Exams are important but worrying, and panicking about them can be counterproductive, leaving young people unable to revise and prepare. It is vital that young people are supported by family, friends and teachers during the exam period to help them do the best they can. Childline is also here 24/7 for any young person needing confidential support and advice. PeterWanless, chief executive, NSPCC
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